This is my seventh consecutive win for National Novel Writing Month on a personal level and it has been well worth it. Why?

Because I now know the opening of Gardens of Equestria II: Racing Apotheosis for Fallout 4.

It came to me while I was writing a short little commentary on the story. I now have a much better idea of what we’re going to do in GoE II (yes, I’m “rebranding it.”). And it’s going to be awesome. Seriously awesome.

Here’s something else awesome: The Manehattan Project has decided to offer up three beta keys for the 50K Winners of National Pony Writing Month, hosted by Equestria Daily. I’ve also decided on behalf of the Manehattan Project to toss in a Starcraft II: Legacy of the Void Collector’s Edition Digital Key for anyone who passes the 50K mark. (I’ve decided to decline any potential rewards myself).

Gardens of Equestria: This Coming Storm Beta Details

Now before you start clamoring for beta keys of your own, please note that these beta keys will only become active when “This Coming Storm” is ready for its beta. That’s likely not going to be for at least a few weeks minimum. We may be doing limited distribution of a few more later, but we’ll cross that bridge when we come to it. The beta includes a full NDA (Non-Disclosure Agreement) similar to what Overmare does with their work. After all, we don’t want to spoil the surprise, do we?

Gardens of Equestria: This Coming Storm Development Update

As for development, this week will likely be slow for us for obvious reasons. That being said, I’m happy to say that both Trench and Wolf are back up and running after a nasty issue that was causing the GECK program to crash every time our central mod was loaded. (Took six hours to nail down that one. I had to copy my own Data folder to finally get that resolved). As for me, I’m thrilled that the full level decor is now complete for the Rock Farm Sector 2: Administration, an immense sprawling office complex where you’ll be hunting for your friends after separated by the Rock Farm’s erratic security systems.

I’ve also started lighting and decor on the biggest level I’ve ever designed: Sector 3, the heart of the Rock Farm’s R&D. It’s here where players will discover some of the most powerful weaponry ever conceived by the MAS and MWT along with unique armor and race to stop the brutal death of every living soul in Appleloosa Valley. It’ll be awesome.

Finally, on a personal note, to my utter shock, Gamestop has Fallout 4 PipBoys (Sorry folks, they sold out before this went live) in stock on Tuesday. I snagged one immediately, which means now I don’t have to worry about the French one coming (that ironically just arrived in San Francisco within a half hour of me making the new order). So I’ll finally get to play the game soon. Can’t say how thrilled I am.

After all, I need to play so I can come up with more cool ideas for GoE II!

Fallout: Equestria (The Manehattan Edition) Audiobook

We’re also going to be pausing our Fallout: Equestria (The Manehattan Edition) audiobook updates for a short time. We’re in the process of preparing the fourth and final version of the audiobook, with a completely re-recorded introduction and finale (with a very Audible-like style!) along with getting rid of the last series of flubs, repeated lines and glitches. Stay tuned for details!

That’s it for this week folks! For those applicable, have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

-Novel Idea

(P.S. As someone who worked for ten years in retail, I’m personally boycotting all retail stores this weekend. If you must shop, please do not shop on Thursday. Don’t support those greedy companies who demand their employees come in on Thanksgiving while their Execs are at home with their families. And be extra kind to anyone this weekend at any store. Trust me. They need every iota of kindness they can get.)